Zelensky Denounces Trump's Russia Sanctions Waiver, Calls Decision 'Wrong'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced President Donald Trump's decision to waive US sanctions against Russia, calling the move wrong and stating it definitely helps only the Russians.

Zelensky warned the decision would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and give him every reason to continue the war indefinitely. President Trump's executive order on Friday effectively neutralized key provisions of the Graham Act, which he signed last month, and whose measures were scheduled to begin this week. The White House justified the move as being in America's national interest.

However, Italian MEP Roberto Vannacci accused Zelensky of treating Europe like an "ATM" for requesting more aid, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico rejected the proposed funding. Zelensky confirmed Russia might try to reclaim immobilized assets through Ukraine's partners, but said it is fully under Europe's control and safe for now. US officials had floated the idea of releasing some €200 billion ($227 billion) in Russian assets held in the EU to Washington as a bargaining chip in peace talks, but EU leaders firmly rejected this.

Sweden announced a new support package for Ukraine worth SEK 500 million (nearly €45 million), part of which will fund urgent repairs to electricity grids and heating systems. Zelensky also stated that Starlink service in Ukraine is being limited to a speed of 161 km/h, making it impossible to use the system on interceptors targeting jet-powered Shaheds.